Biodegradable sterilization wrap

ABSTRACT

The present invention concerns a medical material comprising biodegradable compounds.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention, in particular, relates to sterilization wraps. Sterilization wraps are mainly used in CSSD (Central Sterilization & Supplies Department) of hospitals and healthcare facilities for the packaging, the sterilization and the maintenance of the sterile state of re-usable, freshly washed, and disinfected medical devices such as scalpels, pliers, scissors, endoscopes, bedpans, tongue depressors or stents.

The invention also concerns a set comprising a medical device and a sterilization wrap according to the invention, said sterilization wrap containing said medical device, in particular in a sterilized state.

PRIOR ART

Sterilization wraps are generally made of special papers. Several types of papers for use in medical packaging are described in the patent literature.

WO 2007/058822 describes papers having enhanced microbial barrier properties for use in sterile packaging.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,826 describes papers comprising non-biodegradable binders.

JP 4 334 448 describes a biodegradable composite material comprising a layer of vegetal fibers covered with a layer of polylactic acid.

The sterilization wraps performances are described in the European Standard (EN 868-2:09): “Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices—Part 2: Sterilization Wrap—Requirements and tests methods”:

This document also describes the properties that a sterilization wrap must present. In order to be in conformity with EN 868-2:09 standard, a nonwoven sterilization wrap should meet:

-   -   the general requirements described in the 11607-1:06: “Packaging         for terminally sterilized medical devices—Part 1: Requirements         for materials, sterile barrier systems and packaging systems”         defining, in particular, the microbial barrier properties and         the compatibility with the sterilization process, and     -   the general and the specific performance requirements of EN         868-2:09 #4.2.1 and #4.2.2.3 for nonwoven wrapping material, as         summarized in the following table 1:

TABLE 1 STANDARDS OR EN 868-2 UNITS METHODS Specifications SUBSTANCE g/m² ISO 536 + or −5% nominal TENSILE STRENGTH MD KN/m ISO 1924-2 1.00< TENSILE STRENGTH CD KN/m ISO 1924-2 0.65< WET TENSILE STRENGTH MD KN/m ISO 1924-2 0.75< WET TENSILE STRENGTH CD KN/m ISO 1924-2 0.50< STRETCH MD % ISO 1924-2 5< STRETCH CD % ISO 1924-2 7< BURST STRENGTH kPa ISO 2758 130< WET BURST kPa ISO 3689 90< TEARING STRENGTH MD mN ISO 1974 750< TEARING STRENGTH CD mN ISO 1974 1000< Drape MD mm EN 868-2D To be measured Drape CD mm EN 868-2D To be measured HYDROSTATIC TEST cm ISO 811 To be measured pH OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT ISO 6588 5 < pH < 8 SULFATE CONTENT % w ISO 9197-1 <0.25 CHLORIDE CONTENT % w ISO 9197-1 <0.05 FLUORESCENCE % DIN 58953-6 5 spots of maximum diameter of 1 mm/100 cm²

The fabrication of a sterilization wrap meeting the requirements of the EN 868-2:09 #4.2.2.3 is well known by a man skilled in the art. For example, it is well known that:

-   -   increasing the grammage, and/or     -   adding non-biodegradable reinforcing fibers (e.g. polyester,         polyamide or polypropylene fibers), and/or     -   adding a non-biodegradable binder (e.g. acrylic binder),         may improve the mechanical properties of a wrap so as to meet         the required strength standards.

The known sterilization wraps may be nonwoven and may be made of:

-   -   a mixture of cellulosic wood pulp, binders, fibers and         hydrophobic additives. Except the cellulosic wood pulp, those         compounds are usually non biodegradable and made from non         renewable raw materials (materials of fossil origin). Those         nonwovens are known as “wet laid nonwovens”, or     -   100% synthetic fossil based fibers such as polypropylene. Those         nonwovens are known as “SMS” (Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond)         nonwovens.

These sterilization wraps may have a grammage of 80 g/m² or less, usually below 70 g/m².

The Applicant has surprisingly found that the use of biodegradable compounds in a sterilization wrap may allow the meeting of the EN 868-2 requirements while allowing the maintain of the grammage of the formed sheet.

Further, the use of biodegradable compounds may enhance the ability of the formed products to be recycled or decomposed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sterilization wrap meeting the EN 868-2:09 requirements, including the barrier properties requirements, and having a relatively low grammage.

It is another object of the invention to provide a sterilization wrap which is easy to get rid of.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a medical material, intended to be sterilized, the medical material for producing a product chosen in the group consisting of: a surgical drape, optionally provided with a hole, a container filter, a sterile field, in particular to be used as a mayo or table cover; a gown, a sterilization wrap or a sterile bather system as per ISO 11607 standard definition, said material comprising or consisting of a, preferably nonwoven, sheet:

-   -   comprising at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more         preferably at least 95%, in percentage by dry weight on the         basis of said sheet, of biodegradable compounds,     -   having a bio-based content of 60%, preferably 80%, more         preferably 90%, or more, and     -   having a grammage of 75 g/m² or less, preferably of 70 g/m² or         less,         said sheet comprising or consisting of a layer comprising, for a         total of more than 80%, in particular more than 85%, in         particular more than 90%, in percentages by dry weight on the         basis of said layer, 15% or more of cellulose fibers and:     -   at least 1%, preferably 1% to 80%, preferably 1 to 50%,         preferably 2% to 20%, more preferably 3% to 10%, of synthetic         biodegradable fibers having an average length of at least 2.5         mm, preferably 3 mm, said synthetic biodegradable fibers         preferably being selected from fibers of plastified cereal flour         based polymers, optionally modified with copolyesters, fibers of         plastified starch, such as corn starch, wheat starch or potato         starch optionally modified with copolyesters, fibers of         polylactic acid, fibers of polyhydroxyvalerate, fibers of         polyhydroxybutyrate, fibers of polyhydroxyalkanoate, fibers of         polyhydroxyhexanoate, fibers of polycaprolactone, fibers of         polybutylene succinate, fibers of polybutylene succinate adipate         or mixtures thereof, and/or     -   20% to 100%, preferably 30% to 100%, preferably 40% to 100%,         preferably 55% to 85%, more preferably 65% to 85%, of natural         biodegradable fibers having an average length of at least 1.5         mm, preferably 2.5 mm, more preferably 3 mm, preferably selected         from abaca, bamboo, cotton, sisal fibers or mixtures thereof,         and/or     -   a biodegradable binder.

The cellulose fibers may be refined.

The sheet may have a grammage lying in the range 25 g/m² to 75 g/m², preferably 50 g/m² to 75 g/m², more preferably 55 g/m² to 65 g/m².

A sheet according to the invention may advantageously present a relatively low grammage nod an enhanced biodegradability while still meeting the strong requirements of EN 868-2:09 and presenting satisfying barrier properties, in particular to microorganisms.

The sheet may be considered as a paper and may be, as described hereunder, manufactured by papermaking methods.

DEFINITIONS

According to the invention, a compound is “biodegradable” when the ratio of its biodegradation percentage on the biodegradation percentage of cellulose fibers is at least 75%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%. The biodegradation percentages may be measured according to ISO 14855 (2005) method: “Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability and disintegration of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions”, after 24 days as described in the examples.

Preferably, a compound is regarded as “biodegradable” if it is decomposed, when exposed to the outside natural environment, under the climate of Paris (France), in less than 10 years, less than 5 years, preferably less than 1 year, preferably less than 6 months, preferably less than 2 months.

The “bio-based content” of a material is the ratio of its amount of organic carbon produced by the biomass or “bio-carbon” (i.e. from biologic origin, therefore excluding fossil or geologic materials) to its total amount of organic carbon.

The bio-based content quantifies, in a given material, the concentration of young (i.e. renewable) organic carbon in comparison with the concentration of old fossil organic carbon based resources.

The bio-based content may in particular be determined according to ASTM D6866-10.

A “fiber” is, in particular, presenting a ratio L/l of its length “L” to its width (largest dimension in a transversal cross-section) “l” of at least 10.

According to the invention, the expression “synthetic fiber” means a fiber produced artificially by a chemical or biochemical synthesis. A “synthetic fiber” is synonymous of a man-made fiber.

According to the invention, a “natural fiber” is a fiber which is not a “synthetic fiber” as defined above. A natural fiber may, in particular, be a cellulose-based fiber.

Unless otherwise stated, the amount, by dry weight, of cellulose fibers includes the amount, by dry weight, of the natural biodegradable fibers which are mainly cellulosic. Thus, if a sterilization wrap comprises 80%, by dry weight, of biodegradable fibers which are cellulosic (i.e. bamboo fibers) and 20%, by dry weight, of wood pulp, the amount, by dry weight, of cellulose fibers is 100%.

According to the invention, the fibers of a “layer” are intimately entangled. Woven or non woven mats are examples of layers.

According to the invention, the “binder” binds the fibers together thus improving the cohesiveness and mechanical properties of the sheet.

The invention also provides a product comprising a material as described above, said product being chosen in the group consisting of:

-   -   a sterilization wrap,     -   a container filter,     -   a sterilized surgical drape, optionally provided with a hole,     -   a sterilized sterile field, in particular to be used as a mayo         or table cover,     -   a sterilized gown,     -   a sterilized sterile barrier system as per ISO 11607 standard         definition.

The invention also provides a kit comprising:

-   -   a sterilization wrap as described above, said sterilization wrap         defining a closed inner volume, and     -   a sterilized medical device disposed inside said inner volume,         said sterilized medical device being, in particular, chosen from         sterilized scalpels, pliers, scissors, endoscopes, bedpans,         tongue depressors or stents.

The invention also provides a method for manufacturing a material as described above comprising:

-   -   a) preparing a furnish:         -   comprising at least 80%, preferably 90%, more preferably             95%, by dry weight, of biodegradable compounds,         -   having a bio-based content of 60%, preferably 80%, more             preferably 90%, or more, said furnish further comprising:         -   for a total of more than 80%, in particular more than 85%,             in particular more than 90%, in percentages by dry weight of             said furnish, at least 15 percent of cellulose fibers and:             -   i. at least 1%, preferably 1% to 80%, preferably 1 to                 50%, preferably 2% to 20%, more preferably 3% to 10%, of                 synthetic biodegradable fibers having an average length                 of at least 2.5 mm, preferably 3 mm, said synthetic                 biodegradable fibers preferably being selected from                 fibers of plastified cereal flour based polymers,                 optionally modified with copolyesters, fibers of                 plastified starch, such as corn starch, wheat starch or                 potato starch optionally modified with copolyesters,                 fibers of polylactic acid, fibers of                 polyhydroxyvalerate, fibers of polyhydroxybutyrate,                 fibers of polyhydroxyalkanoate, fibers of                 polyhydroxyhexanoate, fibers of polycaprolactone, fibers                 of polybutylene succinate, fibers of polybutylene                 succinate adipate or mixtures thereof, and/or             -   ii. 20% to 100%, preferably 30% to 100%, preferably 40%                 to 100%, preferably 55% to 85%, more preferably 65% to                 85%, of natural biodegradable fibers having an average                 length of at least 1.5 mm, preferably 2.5 mm, more                 preferably 3 mm, preferably selected from abaca, bamboo,                 cotton, sisal fibers or mixtures thereof, and/or             -   iii. a biodegradable binder,     -   b) forming a sheet from the furnish in a wet-laid process, in         particular selected from one of a fourdrinier process, an         inclined wire process, a meld table process, a former process         and a mold cylinder process;     -   c) preferably pressing and drying the sheet; and     -   d) optionally forming a pattern on and/or within the sheet via a         softening process, performed on-line or off-line, configured to         result in a softening of the sheet and a barrier performance of         the sheet according to the EN 868-2:09 standard, said softening         process being, in particular, selected from at least one of         creping, micro-creping and/or an embossing,         said method being, preferably, deprived of a hydro-entangling         step.

As used herein the term “on-line” shall mean a period during which the material is formed (e.g., on the wire), and includes any process from wet laying through finishing (e.g., drying, calendaring, sizing, etc.). The term “off-line” shall mean any period after the on-line period.

The above-mentioned steps a) to d) may have a positive impact on the obtaining of the desired barrier properties.

The cellulose fibers present in the furnish described in a) may be refined.

A refining step may be carried out before step a). The refining step may advantageously densify the fiber network and improve its cohesion.

The invention also provides a method of sterilization of a medical device, in particular chosen from scalpels, pliers, scissors, endoscopes, bedpans, tongue depressors or stents, comprising at least the following steps consisting in:

-   -   providing a sterilization wrap according to the invention,     -   wrapping in said sterilization wrap a medical device to obtain a         kit,     -   introducing said kit into a sterilizing unit, and     -   sterilizing said kit.

The kit described above may, in particular, be wrapped in an additional sterilization wrap before being introduced in the sterilizing unit.

The sterilizing unit may subject the kit to high pressure saturated steam (the sterilizing unit may be an autoclave), low temperature formaldehyde steam (LTFS), gamma-rays, electron beams, ethylene oxide or to a dry heat process.

The invention also provides the use of a sheet as described above as a component of a product having barrier properties, in particular to microorganisms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Other features of the invention will become apparent when reading the following description in view of the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows the evolution of the biodegradation percentage of a sterilization wrap according to the invention and of cellulose in average of the 3 corresponding replicates,

FIGS. 2 and 3 respectively show the evolution of the biodegradation percentage of cellulose and of a sterilization wrap according to the invention, for each of the three corresponding replicates (RN1-RN6).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fibers Comprised in the Sheet

The sheet may comprise biodegradable fibers selected from at least one of following ones: bleached wood pulp, semi-bleached wood pulp, unbleached wood pulp, cotton, abaca, straw, bamboo, viscose, hemp, jute, sisal, flax, kenaf, esparto or fibers from biodegradable or biocompostable polymers, according to EN 13432 standard, such as polylactic acid, polyhydroxyvalerate, polyhydroxybutyrate, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polyhydroxyhexanoate, polycaprolactone, polybutylene succinate, polybutylene succinate adipate or copolymers of them, optionally modified with starch based polymer, plastified cereal flour based polymers, optionally modified with copolyesters, plastified starch, such as corn starch, wheat starch or potato starch optionally modified with copolyesters.

Any suitable pulps may be utilized for obtaining the cellulose, for example, kraft pulps from coniferous and/or deciduous trees. Portions of the cellulose may be mechanically, chemically, thermo-mechanically, and/or chemi-thermo-mechanically pulped, as desired.

The natural biodegradable fibers may, in particular, be selected from at least one of the following ones: bleached wood pulp, semi-bleached wood pulp, unbleached wood pulp, cotton, abaca, straw, bamboo, hemp, jute, sisal, flax, kenaf or esparto.

The synthetic (i.e. man-made) biodegradable fibers may preferably be selected from at least one of the following ones: polylactic acid fibers, fibers of polyhydroxyalkanoate, fibers of polyhydroxyhexanoate, fibers of polycaprolactone, fibers of polybutylene succinate, fibers of polybutylene succinate adipate, viscose fibers, fibers of plastified starch, such as corn starch, wheat starch or potato starch optionally modified with copolyesters, or fibers of plastified cereal flour polymer.

The biodegradable fibers may have an average length lying in the range 0.1 mm to 30 mm, preferably 1 to 15 mm.

The biodegradable synthetic fibers may, in particular, have an average length of at least 2.5 mm, preferably 3 mm, more preferably 5 mm.

The biodegradable synthetic fibers may, in particular, have an average length of less than 12 mm.

The biodegradable natural fibers may have an average length of at least 1.5 mm, preferably 2.5 mm, more preferably 3 mm.

The biodegradable natural fibers may, in particular, have an average length of less than 10 mm.

The “average length” is, unless otherwise specified, the median length.

When the sheet comprises synthetic biodegradable fibers, the cellulose fibers may be present in an amount of 30% or more, preferably of 50% or more, in particular of 70% or more, by dry weight of the layer.

In one embodiment, the sheet may comprise, for a total of more than 80%, in particular more than 85%, in particular more than 90%, in percentages by dry weight on the basis of the layer:

-   -   3 to 10% of synthetic biodegradable fibers, preferably selected         from polylactic acid fibers, fibers of plastified starch, such         as corn starch, wheat starch or potato starch optionally         modified with copolyesters, fibers of polyhydroxyvalerate,         fibers of polyhydroxybutyrate or fibers of plastified cereal         flour polymers, and     -   70% or more of cellulose fibers.

When the sheet comprises a biodegradable binder, the cellulose fibers may be present in an amount of 30% or store, preferably of 50% or more, in particular of 70% or more, by dry weight of the layer.

In one embodiment, the sheet may comprise in percentages by dry weight on the basis of the layer:

-   -   1 to 10% of a biodegradable binder, preferably selected from         potato starch, and     -   90% or more of cellulose fibers.

When the sheet comprises natural biodegradable fibers, the cellulose fibers may be present in an amount of 50% or more, preferably of 70% or more, more preferably of 85% or more, by dry weight of the layer.

In one embodiment, the sheet may comprise, in percentages by dry weight on the basis of the layer, 60% or more of biodegradable fibers selected from abaca, sisal, cotton, bamboo fibers or mixtures thereof,

the total amount of cellulose fibers in the layer being more than 85%.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the layer of the sheet comprises cellulose fibers and synthetic biodegradable fibers.

Biodegradable Binder and Additive

The sheet may comprise a biodegradable binder, in particular in an amount of 2% or more, in percentage by dry weight of the layer.

The biodegradable binder may, in particular, be non-fibrous.

The biodegradable binder may, in particular, be an adhesive.

The biodegradable binder may, in particular, be polymeric.

The sheet may, in particular, comprise at least 2%, and/or less than 30%, preferably less than 25%, preferably less than 20%, preferably less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%, in percentage by dry weight of the layer, of a biodegradable binder and/or of an additive providing wet strength, cohesiveness or softness, for example chosen from potato, wheat, tapioca or corn starch, proteins of vegetal origin, such as soya protein or silk protein, proteins of animal origin, such as milk proteins, egg derivatives or algae derivatives, gelatin, collagen, chitine, the natural rubber latex, preferably of low protein grade, or a mixture of these compounds.

The sheet may comprise less than 20%, preferably less than 15%, preferably less than 12%, in percentage by dry weight of the layer, of a biodegradable hydrophobic additive, for example a vegetal modified oil, providing liquid repellency.

Non-Biodegradable Compounds

The sheet may have an amount less than 20%, preferably less than 15%, preferably less than 12%, preferably less than 10%, preferably less than 6%, in percentage by dry weight of the layer, of non-biodegradable compounds, said non-biodegradable compounds being, in particular, chosen from pigments, non-biodegradable hydrophobic additives or binders either acrylic or vinylic, polyurethane, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylacetate, styrene butadiene rubber, ethylene propylene heteropolymers or a mixture thereof.

The non-biodegradable binder may, in particular, be incorporated via a size-press process, a spraying process, a saturating process or a precipitating process.

The non-biodegradable binder may, in particular, be a film-forming non-biodegradable binder.

The concentration in the layer of eco-toxic substances, in particular fluorocarbon compounds additives, is preferably less than 200 parts per million.

Structure of the Product According to the Invention

The products according to the invention may have, when completely unfold, a greatest dimension comprised between 15 cm and 180 cm, for example 60 cm and 150 cm.

When the product is a container filter, its greatest dimension may, in particular, be comprised between 15 cm and 60 cm.

The thickness of the gowns, sterilization wraps or sterile fields according to the invention may, in particular, lie in the range 100 μm to 250 μm, preferably 125 μm to 175 μm.

The sterilization wrap may have a density of 0.8 g/cm³ or less.

The sterilization wrap may have at least a portion comprising a softening process pattern, formed on-line or off-line, configured to soften said sterilization wrap, said softening process pattern being, in particular, selected from one of a creped pattern, micro-creped pattern, and an embossing pattern.

The sterilization wrap is preferably a monolayer material.

The sterilization wrap may be provided in a non-sterilized state and may be sterilized after.

The sterilization wrap may, when completely unfold, be of any shape for e.g.: circular, elliptical or polygonal.

The sterilization wrap, when completely unfold, may be of square shape and, in particular, have a length of about 60 cm, 75 cm or 90 cm.

The invention also concerns a sterilized sterile barrier system as per ISO 11607 standard definition comprising a sterilization wrap as described above.

Functional Properties of the Products According to the Invention

The sterilization wrap, container filter and sterile field according to the invention may present at least one, preferably all of, the following features:

-   -   a barrier meeting at least level 2 performance requirements         based on the standard defined by AAMI PB70,     -   a Log Reduction Value of at least 1, preferably at least 2, in         particular lying in the range 1 to 4, in particular 1 to 3, the         Log Reduction Value being determined by ASTM F 1608,     -   a barrier filtration efficiency, according to ASTM F2101-01,         higher than 90%, preferably higher than 96%, when the product         comprises a single layer according to the invention and higher         than 95%, preferably higher than 99.5%, when it comprises two or         more layers according to the invention.

The sterilization wrap may comprise less than 0.1% of biocide agents, by dry weight.

The sterilization wrap may be in the sterilized state.

The sterilization wrap may be sterilized and provided in a sterilized packaging following its manufacture.

The sterilization wrap and the field according to the invention may present at least one, preferably all of, the following features:

-   -   some tensile strength values, according to ISO 1924-2, higher         than 1.0 kN/m in machine direction and higher than 0.65 kN/m in         cross direction, preferably higher than 3.0 kN/m in machine         direction and higher than 1.5 kN/m in cross direction,     -   some wet tensile strength values according to ISO 1924-2 higher         than 0.75 kN/m in machine direction and higher than 0.50 kN/m in         cross direction, preferably higher than 1.0 kN/m in machine         direction and higher than 0.6 kN/m in cross direction,     -   some stretch values, according to ISO 1924-2, higher than 5% in         machine direction and higher than 7% in cross direction,         preferably higher than 10% in machine direction and higher than         8% in cross direction,     -   some burst values, according to ISO 2758, higher than 130 kPa,         preferably higher than 180 kPa,     -   some wet burst values, according to ISO 3689, higher than 90         kPa, preferably higher than 105 kPa,     -   some tear strength values, according to ISO 1974, higher than         750 mN in machine direction and higher than 1000 mN in cross         direction, preferably higher than 850 mN in machine direction         and higher than 1150 mN in cross direction,     -   the softening process pattern resulting in a cross direction         drape value lower than 200 mm, preferably lower than 140 mm,     -   the softening process pattern resulting in a machine direction         drape value lower than about 120 mm, preferably lower than 90         mm.

The sterilization wrap may have a linting value, according to ISO 9073-40, of less than 10, preferably less than 6.

The sterilization wrap may have water penetration resistance values, according to ISO 811, higher than 20 mbar, preferably higher than 40 mbar.

Method of Manufacture of the Sheet

The sheet may be manufactured according to steps a) to d) as described above.

At step a), the furnish may comprise an aqueous solution, according to some embodiments, a coloring agent (e.g., a pigment and/or a dye) may be introduced into the aqueous solution where desired and/or the sheet may be printed or otherwise colored following formation on the wire. For example, where a color match is desired, an appropriate pigment and/or dye (e.g., a blue pigment) may be added to cause the dried sheet to have a desired color. The pigments and/or dyes may be natural and/or synthetic, and combinations thereof, and such pigments may be biodegradable and/or may be inert towards the environment. The pigments may, in particular, be organic or inorganic, and when they are inorganic, they may, in particular, be inert towards the environment.

As such, the sheet according to the invention may, in particular, comprise for example green or blue, inorganic pigments which are inert towards the environment.

Alternatively, the sheet may be void of any coloring agent and may be colored based substantially on the fibers used to manufacture said sheet and other environmental conditions.

At step c), the drying can be carried out at a temperature between about 75° C. and about 200° C.

At step d), sheet may undergo one or more off line or on-line finishing processes. For example one or more softening processes (e.g., mechanical finishing) may be applied to the sheet as desired. Such softening processes may be configured to effect a softening of the sheet, an increase in strength, an increase in breathability, and/or an increase in conformability. Such softening processes may therefore be effective to at least reduce drape values (i.e., increase conformability).

Softening processes may include, for example, mechanical processes such as creping, micro-creping, flexage, embossing, etc. Micro-creping, for example, may act on the web associated with the sheet by compacting it, particularly in the machine direction (MD). Therefore, when exposing to a micro-crepe finishing process, it may be desirable to have a certain percentage of fibers of the web oriented in the machine direction, thereby allowing more fibers to be creped.

According to some embodiments, the finishing processes (e.g., softening) may be configured to form a pattern on and/or within the structure of sheet resulting in, for example, a softening process pattern on and/or within the structure of sheet. Such a pattern may be a visible pattern, semi-visible, or not visible to the naked eye (e.g., microscopic pattern), as desired, and/or combinations thereof. The mechanical finishing processes may be executed on any suitable processor, for example, when micro-creping sheet, a mechanical microcreper may be utilized. According to some embodiments, a Micrex® Microcreper may be implemented to micro-crepe the formed sheets. For example, a microcreper having rigid retarders, and/or comb roll cavity, and/or two rolls cavity, and/or flat blade cavity, or bladeless microcreper may be utilized.

According to some embodiments, coloring agents may be added to provide color to the sheet after the mechanical finishing process, particularly where coloring agents may affect the mechanical finishing process (e.g., depending on sensitivity of a creping machine). For example, a blue pigment may be introduced into the aqueous solution prior to formation on the wire. Additionally, it may be possible to provide designs and/or text, among other things, via printing on the sheet. Alternatively, no coloring agents may be used.

EXAMPLES

Manufacturing Method of Sterilization Wraps According to the Present Invention

A single layer sheet according to example 4 (see Table 2 below) was manufactured on a Fourdrinier paper machine in the following manner: 89.5% by dry weight of cellulose fibers were suspended in an aqueous medium with 5.1% by dry weight of polylactic acid fibers. A synthetic acrylic binder was added in a concentration of 3.5% by dry weight. A biodegradable binder was added in a concentration of 0.7% by dry weight, a non-biodegradable hydrophobic additive was added in a concentration of 0.3% by dry weight and an additive of unknown degradability was added in a concentration of 0.9% by dry weight. The suspension was dewatered on the wire of the paper machine in order to form the sheet. The sheet was dried at around 120 degrees C. and the resulting sheet had a grammage of approximately 64.1 g/m².

The sheet was then micro-creped to effect a softening of the sheet. The micro-creping was performed resulting in a conformability value of approximately 75 in the machine direction.

A single layer sheet according to example 5 (see Table 2 below) was manufactured on a Fourdrinier paper machine in the following manner: 86.6% by dry weight of cellulose fibers were suspended in an aqueous medium with 7.4% by dry weight of polylactic acid fibers. A synthetic acrylic binder was also added in a concentration of 3.5% by dry weight. A non-biodegradable hydrophobic additive was added at a concentration of 0.3% by dry weight, an additive of unknown degradability was added at a concentration of 1.5% by dry weight and a biodegradable hinder was added at a concentration of 0.7% by dry weight. The suspension was dewatered on the wire of the paper machine in order to form the sheet. The sheet was dried at around 120 degrees C. and the resulting sheet had a grammage of approximately 63 g/m².

The sheet was then micro-creped to effect a softening of the sheet. The micro-creping was performed resulting in a conformability value of approximately 79 in the machine direction.

Compositions and Results

TABLE 2 Component Ref (supplier) Nature Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Wood cellulose — Bleached or semi-bleached or 95.4%  82.1%  22.5%  89.5%  86.6%  unbleached hardwood or softwood cellulosic fibers Natural bioD fibers AK 102S (Ogura Abaca cellulosic fibers 0.0% 0.0% 76.2%  0.0% 0.0% Trading) Non BioD hydrophobic additive Alkyl Keten Dimer 0.6% 0.2% 0.3% 0.3% 0.3% BioD hydrophobic additive Topscreen DS13 Vegetal modified oil 0.0% 10.7%  0.0% 0.0% 0.0% (Topchim) Non BioD Binder Vinacryl 4333 Acrylic binder 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 3.5% 3.5% (Celanese) BioD binder N^(o)1 Emcol KF1000 Modified potatoe starch 2.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% (Emsland) Additive of unknown degradability — Wet strength additive, pigment, 0.9% 0.8% 0.5% 0.9% 1.5% defoamer . . . BioD binder N^(o)2 Hicat 1164A Potatoe starch 0.7% 0.0% 0.5% 0.7% 0.7% (Roquette) Fluoro-chemical additives — —   0%   0%   0%   0%   0% Synthetic Bio D fibers Grade 811 (FIT) PLA (Poly Lactic Acid) fibers 0.0% 6.2% 0.0% 5.1% 7.4% microcreping Standards or either in-line or off-line softening process Units TM Objective Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 EN 868-2 part 4.2.1 requirements Substance g/m² ISO 536 + or −5% 70.7 60.6 65.8 64.1 63.0 nominal pH OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT ISO 6588 5 < pH < 8 5 < pH < 8 5 < pH < 8 5 < pH < 8 5 < pH < 8 5 < pH < 8 SULFATE CONTENT % ISO 9197-1 <0.25 <0.25 <0.25 <0.25 <0.25 <0.25 CHLORIDE CONTENT % ISO 9197-1 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 FLUORESCENCE % DIN 58953-6 5 spots of Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil maximum diameter of 1 mm/100 cm³ Drape MD mm EN 868-2D To be 79 75 79 measured Drape CD mm EN 868-2D To be 148 156 170 measured Surface Resistivity oms BS 6524 To be <10e13 <10e13 <10e13 <10e13 <10e13 measured EN 868-2 part 4.2.3 requirements TENSILE STRENGTH MD KN/m ISO 1924-2 >1.00 3.6 3.6 6.2 3.1 3.1 TENSILE STRENGTH CD KN/m ISO 1924-2 >0.65 2.4 1.6 2.5 1.8 1.8 WET TENSILE STRENGTH MD KN/m ISO 1924-2 >0.75 1.0 1.1 0.9 1.2 1.2 WET TENSILE STRENGTH CD KN/m ISO 1924-2 >0.50 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 STRETCH MD % ISO 1924-2 >5 17 7 7 15 13.0 STRETCH CD % ISO 1924-2 >7 7.4 8.5 8.9 8.1 7.5 BURST STRENGTH kPa ISO 2758 >130 212 187 350 190 210.0 WET BURST kPa ISO 3689 >90 92 95 115 105 110.0 TEARING STRENGTH MD mN ISO1974 >750 910 1005 949 796 840.0 TEARING STRENGTH CD mN ISO1974 >1000 1155 1172 1250 1205 1130.0 AAMI PB 70 PB70 2 2 2 2 2 Linting log 10 ISO 9073-10 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 Spray impact test g AATCC42 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 HYDROSTATIC TEST mbar ISO 811 69 40 65 52 60 11607-1 Barrier claims Din test (Dry/Wet) OK/ Din 58953/6 OK/ OK/ OK/OK OK/ OK/ Not OK OK OK OK OK BFE single % ASTM >98% >98% >98% 98.4 98.9% F2101-01 BFE double % ASTM >99% >99% >99% 99.9% 99.5% F2101-01 Cytotoxicity OK/ ISO 10993-5 OK OK OK OK OK Not OK Biodegradability claims Biobased content % ASTM 98.5%  98.9%  99.2%  95.2% 94.6% (estimates) D6866 Biobased content % N/A N/A N/A N/A 96.0% (measured values) (when available) OK bio based numbers Vinçotte **** **** **** **** **** of * Biodegradability OK/ ISO14855 OK OK OK OK OK Not OK

Biodegradability Test

The biodegradability of a sterilization wrap consisting in a sheet according to example 5 is tested according to ISO 14855 (2005) method: “Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability and disintegration of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions”.

The test item is prepared by milling said sterilization wrap in particles having a size less than 4 mm.

The reference item is native cellulose powder for thin layer chromatography (cellulose Avicel, Merck).

The test details are reported in table 3.

TABLE 3 Number of Compost Test item Treatment replicates Inoculum (g) (g) Compost (control) 3 1200 — Cellulose powder (reference item) 3 1200 80 test item 3 1200 80

During the test, the incubation temperature is continuously kept on 58° C.±2° C. and the test lasts 24 days.

The net CO₂ production Of the item under consideration (reference item or test item) is obtained by subtracting the CO₂ production of the control to the CO₂ production of said item.

The biodegradation percentage is the ratio of the net CO₂ production of the item under consideration to the original amount of carbon comprised in said item. When the ratio of the biodegradation percentage of the item under consideration to the biodegradation percentage of cellulose is higher than 75%, the item under consideration is regarded as “biodegradable”.

An overview of the evolution of the biodegradation percentage of the different materials is given in FIG. 1, while FIGS. 2 up to 3 show the biodegradation of the replicates of reference and test items.

Table 4 illustrates the assessment of biodegradability for example 5.

TABLE 4 Net CO₂ production Biodegradation (%) Items (mg/g item) AVG. STD. REL. Reference item 1314 84.4 1.3 100.0 Test item 1204 76.9 1.5 91.1

Throughout the description, including the claims, the term “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymous with “comprising at least one” unless otherwise stated, In addition, any range set forth in the description, including the claims should be understood as including its end value(s) unless otherwise stated. Specific measurement values for described elements should be understood to be within generally accepted manufacturing or industry tolerances, and any use of the terms “substantially” and “approximately” should be understood to mean falling within such generally accepted tolerances. Component ratios throughout the disclosure shall be understood to be by dry weight unless otherwise specified.

Although the present disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. 

1-14. (canceled)
 15. A medical material, intended to be sterilized, the medical material for producing a product chosen in the group consisting of: a surgical drape, a container filter, a sterile field, a gown, a sterilization wrap or a sterile barrier system as per ISO 11607 standard definition, said material comprising or consisting of a sheet: comprising at least 80%, in percentage by dry weight on the basis of said sheet, of biodegradable compounds, a biodegradable compound having a ratio of its biodegradation percentage on the biodegradation percentage of cellulose fibers of at least 75%, the biodegradation percentages being measured according to ISO 14855 (2005) method: “Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability and disintegration of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions”, after 24 days, having a bio-based content of 60% or more, and having a grammage of 75 g/m² or less, said sheet comprising or consisting of a layer comprising, for a total of more than 80% in percentages by dry weight on the basis of said layer, 15% or more of cellulose fibers and: at least 1% of synthetic biodegradable fibers having an average length of at least 2.5 mm, and/or 20% to 100% of natural biodegradable fibers having an average length of at least 1.5 mm, and/or a biodegradable binder.
 16. The material according to claim 15, the sheet comprising biodegradable fibers selected from at least one of following ones: bleached wood pulp, semi-bleached wood pulp, unbleached wood pulp, cotton, abaca, straw, bamboo, viscose, hemp, jute, sisal, flax, kenaf, esparto or fibers from biodegradable or biocompostable polymers, according to EN 13432 standard.
 17. The material according to claim 15, the sheet comprising less than 30% in percentage by dry weight of the layer, of a biodegradable binder or additive providing wet strength, cohesiveness or softness.
 18. The material according to claim 15, the sheet having an amount less than 20% in percentage by dry weight of the layer, of non-biodegradable compounds.
 19. The material according to claim 15, the sheet having a concentration in the layer of fluorocarbon compounds additives of less than 200 parts per million.
 20. The material according to claim 15, the sheet having a grammage lying in the range 25 g/m² to 75 g/m².
 21. The material according to claim 15, the sheet having at least a portion comprising a softening process pattern, formed on-line or off-line, configured to soften said sheet.
 22. The material according to claim 15, having a density of 0.8 g/cm³ or less.
 23. The material according to claim 15, being a monolayer material.
 24. The material according to claim 15, the product being a sterilization wrap.
 25. A product chosen in the group consisting of: a surgical drape, a container filter, a sterile field, a gown, a sterilization wrap or a sterile barrier system as per ISO 11607 standard definition, said product comprising a material as defined in claim
 15. 26. A kit comprising: a sterilization wrap according to claim 24, said sterilization wrap defining a closed inner volume, and a sterilized medical device present inside said inner volume.
 27. A method for manufacturing a material according to claim 15 comprising: preparing a furnish: comprising at least 80% by dry weight, of biodegradable compounds, a biodegradable compound having a ratio of its biodegradation percentage on the biodegradation percentage of cellulose fibers of at least 75%, the biodegradation percentages being measured according to ISO 14855 (2005) method: “Determination of the ultimate aerobic biodegradability and disintegration of plastic materials under controlled composting conditions”, after 24 days, having a bio-based content of 60% or more, said furnish further comprising: for a total of more than 80%, in percentages by dry weight of said furnish, at least 15 percent of cellulose fibers and: at least 1% of synthetic biodegradable fibers having an average length of at least 2.5 mm, and/or 20% to 100% of natural biodegradable fibers having an average length of at least 1.5 mm, and/or a biodegradable binder, forming a sheet from the furnish in a wet-laid process,
 28. A method of sterilization of a medical device comprising at least the following steps consisting in: providing a sterilization wrap according to claim 24, wrapping in said sterilization wrap a medical device to form a kit, introducing said kit into a sterilizing unit, and sterilizing said kit. 